If you’re moving out of an apartment for the first time, taking the right steps will help ensure everything goes smoothly. Vacating a rented unit is slightly different from leaving a house you own, as you need to coordinate with the landlord or property manager. Follow the tips below to get your move right.

What to Do Before Leaving an Apartment

1. Tell the Landlord

Some rental agreements require as much as 90 days’ notice before you leave. Make sure to leave by the agreed-upon date because a new tenant may be moving in—failing to comply may cost you some or all of the security deposit.

2. Clean & Repair the Unit

Getting your security deposit back in full depends on the apartment’s condition upon your exit. Clean the unit thoroughly by scrubbing the appliances and wiping window sills. You should also make any minor repairs, like fixing a torn screen door or adding a spackling compound to a small hole in the wall.

3. Cancel the Utilities

If you’ve been paying for utilities that aren’t covered in the rent, contact the provider to end the service. Give them your new address so that they can reroute the utility in advance of your move-in day. Notify the provider at least two weeks before the move to ensure you aren’t paying for an extra month of service.

4. Plan the Move

If you live on a higher floor, ask the property manager to reserve the service elevator and a few extra parking stalls for the moving day. This will make it easier for the movers to load your belongings and won’t inconvenience the other residents.

 

To make moving as easy as possible, work with the team at S & S Delivery in Honolulu, HI. This locally owned company helps its clients relocate their belongings to anywhere on Oahu. If you have items to donate, they’ll drop them off at thrift stores, Goodwill®, or the Salvation Army®. View their services online, or call (808) 833-1857 to request a quote.